More than 52,000 personnel of the U.S. military from different nations received U.S. citizenship between 2020 and 2024. Nigeria came in at number four with 3,270 naturalised service personnel of Nigerian descent, behind the Philippines (5,630), Jamaica (5,420), and Mexico (3,670). These top five nations collectively accounted for 38% of all military naturalisations during this time, with South Korea, China, Haiti, Cameroon, and Vietnam making up the remaining 16%. Between 2020 and 2024, the number of Nigerian service members who became citizens rose gradually, reaching a peak of 930. The Army had the highest percentage of naturalisations (60%) followed by the Navy (20.4%), Air Force (10.6%), and Marine Corps (6.6%).
With a median age of 27, half of all naturalised service personnel were between the ages of 22 and 30. Nearly 5% were over 40, while about 17% were 21 or younger. In terms of gender, men made about 73% of naturalised service members, however the percentage of women steadily rose over the years under study. Nigerians and other foreign-born people enlist in the American military and work towards citizenship for a variety of reasons, such as job prospects, financial security, and an expedited naturalisation process. Serving in the U.S. military is a desirable alternative because it has a lower residency requirement for citizenship, no state residency requirement, and no application expenses.
Over 16,290 members were naturalised in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 alone.
Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI), albeit suspended, previously targeted immigrants with critical skills, highlighting the strategic importance of foreign-born recruits in U.S. defence efforts. Similar programs exist in countries like the U.K., Canada, and France, where immigrants can fast-track residency or citizenship through military service. Many recruits, especially from countries like Nigeria, are motivated by a combination of patriotic aspirations and practical benefits, such as access to education, healthcare, and familial support networks. Nigerians ranked fourth in military naturalisations from 2020 to 2024, marking a steady increase in numbers.
However, with more than 187,000 service members naturalised since 2002, the United States presents a particularly expansive possibility. Over 16,290 members were naturalised in FY 2024 alone. Interviews and firsthand reports highlight difficulties, such as miscommunications regarding automatic citizenship and applications that are delayed because of deployment. In spite of this, the effect on U.S. defense and immigration policies is substantial, supporting recruitment during a period of diminishing enlistments. Furthermore, Nigeria’s dominance in Africa highlights its impact on the diaspora, since Nigerian recruits frequently act as community ambassadors.
Unfamiliarity with American bureaucratic procedures brings challenges.
Also, U.S. military veterans who were born in Nigeria frequently describe a combination of difficulties and successes throughout their time in the military and during the naturalisation process. Many say that their reasons are rooted in a desire for stability, access to higher education, and economic prospects. For instance, a Nigerian veteran described how his military service allowed him to support his family financially and obtain scholarships for his kids. However, challenges are brought about by things like unfamiliarity with American bureaucratic procedures and deployment delays in citizenship processing.
Veterans highlight their units’ support systems and the pleasure they take in serving a global superpower in spite of these difficulties. When it comes to recruiting foreign-born people, the U.S. military takes a different tack than similar initiatives around the world. Although Commonwealth people can join the military in the United Kingdom without having to be residents, more stringent immigration laws may make it more difficult to reunite with family members. France accepts foreign people through the Légion Étrangère (Foreign Legion), which provides a route to citizenship after five years of service, albeit with stricter requirements.
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Additionally, Canada seeks out immigrants with specialised talents, making it easier for recruits with the necessary knowledge to obtain permanent status. The U.S. stands out for its wide accessibility and greater number of naturalisations, whereas other countries concentrate on smaller-scale programs or specialist recruitment (such as linguistic abilities or medical knowledge). The United States naturalised about 187,000 military personnel between 2002 and 2024, including over 16,000 in 2024 alone. The U.S. strategically relies on immigrant enrolment to fill recruitment gaps, as evidenced by the fact that France naturalises about 1,000 Légionnaires each year.